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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Swarthmore

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17445)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 224 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2094)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 35 times today
a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.
A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(504)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 16 times today
Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!
A photo of La Fontana Della Citta restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2024)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 28 times today
Jersey Shore pilgrims might be familiar with La Fontana Del Mare ("The Fountain of the Sea"), the award-winning restaurant in Strathmere. Owner Rafael Kupa is excited to bring his most popular dishes to Philly at this new "Fountain of the City," a 100-seat BYOB right off Rittenhouse Square.
A photo of LaScala's Fire - Newtown Square restaurant
4.2
Awesome(213)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Newtown Square
Booked 48 times today
Your home away from home for wood-fired Italian American with a modern twist, that you can’t get enough of. A South Jersey & Philadelphia area favorite, Fire offers a large selection of beloved Italian American fare, generously portioned & great for sharing, in a warm, comfortable atmosphere with friendly service, let’s eat!
A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1791)
Price: Moderate
• French American • University City
Booked 39 times today
Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.
A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant
4.4
Awesome(909)
Price: Moderate
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 32 times today
Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.
A photo of Con Murphy's Irish Pub restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(453)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 8 times today
Con Murphy's is an authentic cozy Irish Pub in the heart of Center City. Just a stones throw from Philly's best museums, hotels & attractions. Serving perhaps the best pint of Guinness in the city, along with other craft beers and signature cocktails, a classy yet comfortable pub awaits you. With an outdoor patio right on The Ben Franklin Parkway there's no better place for people watching & taking in a nice sunset.Con Murphy's has created a menu to please all palates from the traditional Shepherds Pie (made with Lamb) & Fish'n'Chips & the local favorite Philly Cheesesteak.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dean
    Philadelphia County •27 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was very good, large portions. Most of us took some of entrees home. Appetizers were very good. Only a few had desert, but they were all good choices. Server was just a bit difficult to understand, as were a few of the runners in trying to figure out who ordered what. Waiter didn't ask if anyone needed more drinks/beverages - not a huge deal, we asked him for more. We would return to try more of the menu.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire - Newtown SquarePrice: Expensive• Italian• Newtown Square
    4.2
  • Brooke
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoyed everything from the moment we waked in to the moment we left. Our anniversary was acknowledged by the hostess, our server and a manager. They also sent out a sweet little dessert. Timing was very fluid. I was very impressed with the acoustics- the restaurant was totally packed but you can not hear another individual conversation and can still make out the music. Hard to achieve without seeing visible panels or an abundance of heavy drapery and rugs which there is not. Food was perfect.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • SusanVIP
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Charming place near Rittenhouse Square. Interesting menu with diverse choices. The beef tartare and mussels were outstanding. Small wine list but excellent and fairly priced choices. The service was friendly and well paced. Highly recommend.
    More info
    AleksandarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Center City
    4.5
  • Penny
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I was there on Christmas Day evening. It was very busy and both the Kitchen and the front of the house did a really good job. My server was prompt and very attentive and my food arrived quickly and was hot and of good flavor yet I did not feel rushed. I live in the neighborhood and will definitely return.
    More info
    La Fontana Della CittaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rittenhouse Square
    4.3
  • Ian
    Pittsburgh / Western PA •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I am so glad my girlfriend and I ended up here. After a long day in the city during the holidays, we had reservations and were looking for an intimate yet engaging space. a.kitchen was exactly that. Extraordinary service, lovely win, fantastic food. We both enjoyed everything about this dinner experience, and will definitely be back! Shoutout the staff for holding the item we forgot and giving us a call, great hospitality. Side note from a boyfriend, thanks for helping me make this date night unique and fun. Thanks for not rushing our food, this place is meant for conversating and we were able to do just that! Highly recommend!
    More info
    a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
    4.7
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